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LG Launches 77-inch 4K Ultra HD SIGNATURE OLED TV with HDR & Dolby Vision[teaser]The company's newest premium OLED display will be available soon... if you have around $20,000 to spare. [/teaser] LG has announced pricing and availability for its latest premium flagship SIGNATURE OLED TV. The OLED77G6P is currently on hand at CEDIA 2016 and pre-orders will begin on September 17 for an MSRP of $19,999. First shipments are expected to go out in October. "LG SIGNATURE represents the art of essence, the pinnacle of stylish design and innovation," said David VanderWaal, vice president of marketing, LG Electronics USA. "The new flagship 77-inch OLED TV further elevates this new category of television with a dramatic home entertainment experience that means consumers can stop watching and start seeing." The 77-inch OLED77G6P 4K Ultra HD TV features a 10-bit panel and LG's elegant "Picture-on-Glass" design. Thanks to its OLED screen, the display is capable of turning individual pixels on or completely off, resulting in perfect blacks and superior contrast. In addition, the TV offers an expanded color gamut along with HDR10 and Dolby Vision high dynamic range support. Likewise, the OLED77G6P has earned the "Ultra HD Premium" certification. LG's webOS 3.0 smart TV platform is integrated as well, providing a growing collection of 4K HDR streaming content. Finally, LG SIGNATURE OLED TV owners who register their displays will also receive the exclusive LG SIGNATURE CONCIERGE 24/7 VIP-level service for one-on-one customer support. Beyond the new flagship OLED77G6P, LG's 2016 OLED lineup also includes: (Below prices reflect current Amazon discounts) OLEDB6P – Flat-panel OLED TV (4K Smart TV with HDR) - 55-inch class (54.6 inches diagonal) model OLED55B6P ($2,497) - 65-inch class (64.5 inches diagonal) model OLED65B6P ($3,997) OLEDC6P – Curved-panel OLED TV (4K Smart TV with HDR) - 55-inch class (54.6 inches diagonal) model OLED55C6P ($2,497) - 65-inch class (64.5 inches diagonal) model OLED65C6P ($3,997) OLEDE6P – Flat-panel OLED TV (4K Smart TV with HDR and Picture-on-Glass design) - 55-inch class (54.6 inches diagonal) model OLED55E6P ($3,497) - 65-inch class (65.5 inches diagonal) model OLED65E6P ($4,997) OLEDG6P – Flat-panel LG SIGNATURE OLED TV (4K Smart TV with HDR, Picture-on-Glass design and harmon/kardon® sound bar stand) - 65-inch class (64.5 inches diagonal) model OLED65G6P ($7,997) Source: LGPosted Thu Sep 15, 2016 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
CBS All Access Pushes 'Star Trek: Discovery' Premiere to May 2017[teaser]The new streaming show is setting a course for CBS All Access in 2017. [/teaser] CBS has delayed the premiere of its upcoming streaming series, 'Star Trek: Discovery.' The CBS All Access show was originally set to debut in January 2017, but that date has now been pushed back to May 2017. The creative team believes that the added time will allow them to deliver the "highest quality, premium edition of the first new 'Star Trek' TV series in over a decade." "Bringing 'Star Trek' back to television carries a responsibility and mission: to connect fans and newcomers alike to the series that has fed our imaginations since childhood," said executive producers Alex Kurtzman and Bryan Fuller. "We aim to dream big and deliver, and that means making sure the demands of physical and post-production for a show that takes place entirely in space, and the need to meet an air date, don't result in compromised quality. Before heading into production, we evaluated these realities with our partners at CBS and they agreed: 'Star Trek' deserves the very best, and these extra few months will help us achieve a vision we can all be proud of." Check out the previously released teaser with test footage of the new starship below! "The series template and episodic scripts that Alex and Bryan have delivered are incredibly vivid and compelling," said David Stapf, President, CBS Television Studios. "They are building a new, very ambitious 'Star Trek' world for television, and everyone involved supports their vision for the best timing to bring to life what we all love on the page." A special premiere episode of the show will air on CBS in May 2017. Following that initial broadcast, all first run episodes of the show will be available exclusively through the CBS All Access streaming platform in the US. In addition, the series will stream globally (outside of the US and Canada) through Netflix. CBS All Access offers next-day streaming for new episodes of many popular shows and a library of over 8,500 on-demand episodes, including content from current programs like 'Limitless' and 'Elementary,' and classic series like 'Star Trek' and 'Cheers.' Likewise, select customers can watch live local CBS broadcasts. The service currently costs $6 per month with commercials and $10 per month without commercials. Supported devices include the Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick with Voice Remote, Roku players, Roku TVs, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox 360, and Windows 10, iOS and Android products. Source: CBSPosted Thu Sep 15, 2016 at 09:15 AM PDT by: -
Sony Reveals ES Series UBP-X1000E 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player, Release Set for Spring 2017[teaser]The upcoming Ultra HD Blu-ray player will be offered exclusively to the custom installer market. [/teaser] Sony has finally unveiled its first 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player. The ES Series UBP-X1000E is designed with custom installation in mind. According to Yukio Ishikawa, Director of Home Entertainment Systems for Sony Electronics, "The new UBP-X1000ES player has been long awaited by custom installers who desire a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player that provides a 'one-stop' solution for their clients' premium entertainment needs. Our new reference model has been specifically designed to deliver the highest quality video and audio possible and will excite the most demanding A/V enthusiasts." The UBP-X1000E offers Ultra HD Blu-ray disc playback and HDR (high dynamic range) support. Likewise, the player uses a Sony developed Precision HD drive to offer consistent performance with virtually any optical disc format, including DVD Video, DVD Audio, CD, SA-CD, Blu-ray 3D, and BD-ROM media. In addition, the device includes 4K streaming from several services like Amazon Video, YouTube and more. Advanced video processing is also incorporated, allowing users to upscale 1080p content to near 4K 60p resolution. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are supported as well, and the player features a 32-bit processing DAC compatible with both native DSD (at up to 11.2 MHz) and LPCM (at up to 192kHz) Hi-Res Music files. Finally, the device includes robust custom installation connectivity options like IP Control over CAT 5 cable or Wi-Fi networks, RS232C two-way control and IR-IN. Likewise, Sony plans to have the player certified by leading home control and automation system vendors like Control4, Crestron, and Savant. Pricing has not been announced yet, but the Sony UBP-X1000ES Ultra HD Blu-ray player will be available exclusively to the custom installer channel in spring 2017. Sadly, the company has not announced plans for a traditional retail model at this time.Posted Wed Sep 14, 2016 at 03:35 PM PDT by: -
Pioneer Details Home Entertainment Lineup for CEDIA 2016[teaser]The company is displaying several new audio products at the show. [/teaser] Pioneer has announced its gear lineup for CEDIA 2016. The collection includes new receivers, stereo systems, and speakers. New products appearing at the show include the Elite SX-S30 2-Channel Slim Receiver, the VSX-S520 Slim A/V Receiver, the PD-10AE Single CD Player, the MRX-3 Wi-Fi Speaker, and several new mini stereo systems like the X-HM76 and XC-HM86. In addition, the MRX-3 Wi-Fi Speaker will be used to demonstrate FireConnect multiroom audio tech in conjunction with the company's Elite SC-LX501 7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver. The SC-LX501 is a Class D3 7.2 channel receiver with 560W multi-channel simultaneous drive (8 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 1.0 %) / 180W/ch (6 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 0.9 %, 1ch Driven FTC) / 120W/ch (8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, THD 0.08 %, 2ch Driven FTC). Likewise, the device uses a high grade 384 kHz/32 bit DAC (AK4458) produced by AKM. Dolby Atmos support is integrated out of the box and DTS:X support will be added through an upcoming firmware upgrade, offering support for 5.1.2ch/5.2.2 immersive audio configurations with Reflex Optimizer tech for Atmos enabled speakers. and DTS Play-Fi multiroom audio technologies. Meanwhile, the company is also highlighting Dolby Atmos and DTS Play-Fi tech through its Elite FS-EB70 Speaker Bar. Likewise, DTS:X audio is being demoed through the new flagship Elite SC-LX901 Network A/V Receiver. Other products on display include the X-CM56, X-HM26, and X-EM26 mini stereo systems with streaming capabilities and support for Near Field Communication (NFC) and Internet radio. Finally, Pioneer is rounding out its CEDIA lineup with the PD-10AE Single CD Player, SX-N30 2-Channel Networked Stereo System, the connected PL-30-K Stereo Turntable, the A-20 Integrated Amplifier, the award-winning XDP-100R Digital Audio Player, and the SE-Master1 and SE-MHR5 headphones. Pioneer's new products are now on display at CEDIA 2016 in Dallas, Texas. Source: PioneerPosted Wed Sep 14, 2016 at 03:00 PM PDT by: -
Samsung Offers Lifetime Guarantee Against Image Burn-In for 2016 SUHD Quantum Dot TVs[teaser]The manufacturer is now guaranteeing its new displays won't suffer from burn-in. [/teaser] Samsung has announced a lifetime guarantee against long-term image retention for its entire lineup of 2016 SUHD Quantum Dot LCD TVs in the US. Image retention and burn-in can occur when the same image or scene is displayed for long periods of time on a TV screen, causing a ghost image to stay visible permanently. Though the defect is much more common with plasma panels, in rare cases LCD displays can still suffer from some forms of long-term image retention. "We understand that buying a television is a very personal and substantial investment for our consumers," said Dave Das, Senior Vice President, Consumer Electronics, Samsung Electronics America. "We strive to deliver the best technology and picture quality with our televisions. This lifetime screen anti-burn-in guarantee is a testament to the confidence we have in our television line up and our commitment to our consumers that they will enjoy their 2016 SUHD Quantum Dot TV for years to come." If burn-in does occur, Samsung is now promising to either repair or replace any 2016 SUHD Quantum Dot TV with a similar model at no cost for the life of the television. The lifetime guarantee covers 2016 SUHD Quantum dot "8" or "9" series TVs purchased in the United States. Samsung's 2016 SUHD TV lineup includes the KS8000, KS8500, KS9000, KS9500, and KS9800 -- with sizes ranging from 49 inches to 88 inches. The flagship KS9800 series features a cadmium free 10 bit Quantum Dot Display with 1,000-nit HDR and support for up to one billion colors in detail. In addition to the new anti-burn-in guarantee, Samsung also recently released an HDR+ firmware update for its 2016 SUHD TVs. The upgrade includes improved HDR performance, an SDR to HDR conversion option, and new HDR calibration features. Source: Samsung via BusinessWirePosted Wed Sep 14, 2016 at 02:15 PM PDT by: -
Amazon Announces New 2nd Gen Echo Dot for $50[teaser]A new version of the Alexa-powered device has been detailed. [/teaser] Amazon has revealed an updated version of the Echo Dot. The new model features a more affordable price, improved speech recognition, and a sleeker design. "With the same high-quality array of seven microphones found in Echo, the all-new Echo Dot can hear you from across the room, even when it’s noisy or music is playing," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com Founder and CEO. "And, at under $50, it is easier than ever to add Echo and Alexa to any or every room in your home." The Echo Dot is a compact, hands-free voice controlled device powered by Alexa -- allowing customers to ask questions, play music, turn on the lights, set timers, give sports updates, check the weather, access over 3,000 Alexa skills, and much more. The product is designed to be connected to existing speakers through a 3.5mm stereo cable of Bluetooth, allowing users to add voice control to their sound systems. In addition, the device also includes a small integrated speaker for use as an alarm clock or a voice assistant for smart home devices. The Echo Dot uses the same array of seven microphones found in the larger Amazon Echo, and this new model features a more powerful speech processor for improved far-field speech recognition accuracy. Finally, the device also includes Amazon's new ESP (Echo Spatial Perception) tech. This feature automatically determines which Echo device should respond to a user's request when multiple Echo products are within hearing distance. The new 2nd Generation Echo Dot is now available for pre-order in black or white for $50. Likewise, customers can get a six-pack for buy five, get one free, or a 12-pack for buy 10, get two free. Shipments are expected to begin on October 20. And while the previous generation model was exclusive to Prime members through Alexa Voice Shopping, this updated version is available to all Amazon customers. Source: AmazonPosted Wed Sep 14, 2016 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Netflix Adds Ben Barnes to Cast of Marvel's 'The Punisher'[teaser]The actor is joining the upcoming show as a series regular. [/teaser] According to a report from TVLine, Netflix has cast actor Ben Barnes in Marvel's 'Punisher.' The exact role has not been announced yet, but Barnes is rumored to be playing the season's villain, placing him toe-to-toe against series protagonist Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal). The character of Frank Castle previously made his Netflix debut in the second season of 'Daredevil.' 'The Punisher' is now the sixth Marvel Netflix series to be announced, joining 'Daredevil,' the Peabody Award-winning 'Jessica Jones,' the upcoming 'Luke Cage,' 'Iron Fist,' and the team-up mini-series 'The Defenders.' Executive Producer Steve Lightfoot will also serve as showrunner and is set to write the series' first two episodes. Marvel's 'The Punisher' is produced by Marvel Television in association with ABC Studios for Netflix. An exact release date has not been announced yet. Ben Barnes has previously starred in 'The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian,' 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader,' and 'Dorian Gray.' He will be seen next in HBO's 'Westworld' which will premiere on October 2. Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Easy' on September 22, 'Longmire' season five on September 23, 'Luke Cage' on September 30, 'The Ranch' on October 7, 'Black Mirror' on October 21, 'The Crown' on November 4, 'True Memoirs of an International Assassin' on November 11, 'Lovesick' on November 17, and 'Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life' on November 25. Likewise, the streaming platform is also prepping new seasons of 'Chelsea,' 'Lady Dynamite,' and 'Real Rob,' a new sci-fi series called 'Travelers' from writer Brad Wright, the second season of 'Stranger Things' for 2017, the third season of 'Bloodline' for 2017, new episodes of the documentary series 'Making a Murderer,' and a feature film adaptation of the manga 'Death Note.' A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: TVLinePosted Tue Sep 13, 2016 at 03:15 PM PDT by: -
Yamaha Releases New MusicCast Speakers & Stereo Components[teaser]The lineup includes a wireless speaker, a soundbar, and three stereo components. [/teaser] Yamaha has announced the release of its latest MusicCast audio products. The compact WX-010 wireless speaker ($200), WXA-50 streaming amplifier ($500), WXC-50 streaming preamplifier ($350), R-N402 Hi-Fi network receiver ($450), and YSP-2700 sound bar ($1,200) are all available now. "With our expanded lineup, Yamaha is creating more opportunities for music enthusiasts to bring MusicCast's versatility and high-resolution audio performance to more rooms of the house," said Bob Goedken, general manager, AV division, Yamaha Corporation of America. The WX-010 wireless speaker features a 3.5 inch woofer and 1 inch tweeter on the front, along with dual opposing passive radiators on each side. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and DLNA connectivity are all included, along with high-res audio playback. Meanwhile, the 7.1 channel YSP-2700 sound bar features Yamaha Digital Sound Projector technology with 16 speakers and 16 amplifiers to create discrete sound beams that reflect off the walls of a room in order to simulate audio from multiple directions. A wireless subwoofer is also included. Three HDMI inputs and one output are integrated as well, offering HDCP 2.2 compliancy with 4K Ultra HD video pass-through at up to 60p, and support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA lossless audio formats. Connectivity options include WiFi, AirPlay, Spotify Connect, and Bluetooth. Moving onto stereo components, the WXA-50 amplifier allows users to connect a pair of their existing speakers to the stereo amp, enabling MusicCast support through an existing Wi-Fi network to access a customer's music library, Pandora, Spotify, Rhapsody and more directly from the MusicCast app. Meanwhile, the WXC-50 preamplifier works with existing home theater or Hi-Fi systems, letting customers connect the WXC-50 to an AV receiver or stereo amplifier to add streaming audio capabilities and wireless multiroom playback when used with other MusicCast products. Finally, the 2-channel R-N402 Hi-Fi network receiver features 100 W per channel and includes support for music streaming services like Pandora, Spotify, Rhapsody, Napster, SiriusXM Internet Radio and vTuner. Likewise, the unit offers Bluetooth, AirPlay, DLNA, and USB connectivity, along with high-res audio playback. All five products include support for Yamaha's MusicCast wireless multiroom audio system. With MusicCast, users can stream music through a simple Android or iOS app, and easily link to other MusicCast products like speakers, AV receivers and Hi-Fi gear in other rooms to share music throughout the home. Source: YamahaPosted Tue Sep 13, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Hulu Preps Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg's 'Future Man' Starring Josh Hutcherson[teaser]The new sci-fi comedy will start streaming on Hulu next year. [/teaser] Hulu has announced its latest original series. 'Future Man' comes from executive producers Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Matt Tolmach, and James Weaver. According to Deadline, the series follows a janitor by day / gamer by night, Josh Futterman (Josh Hutcherson), who is recruited by mysterious visitors to travel through time in order to prevent the extinction of humanity. The rest of the cast includes Eliza Coupe, Derek Wilson, Ed Begley Jr and Glenne Headly. Rogen and Goldberg directed the pilot and the series is written and executive produced by Ariel Shaffir and Kyle Hunter ('Sausage Party') from a story by Shaffir, Hunter, and Howard Overman. Josh Hutcherson also serves as a producer. An exact release date for 'Future Man' has not been announced yet, but the 13-episode half hour comedy is expected to premiere through Hulu in 2017. In addition to 'Future Man,' other upcoming Hulu original shows include 'Chance' starring Hugh Laurie and Gretchen Mol, 'Marvel's Runaways,' and 'The Handmaid's Tale' starring Elisabeth Moss and Joseph Fiennes. Likewise, the company announced plans to end its free streaming option while shifting free content to the newly launched Yahoo View ad-supported streaming service. Yahoo View is now available in the US through desktop web browsers. Mobile web and mobile app support will launch soon. A current Hulu subscription starts at $8 per month with commercials. In addition, ad-free playback is available for $12 per month. A Hulu live streaming platform is also planned to launch in early 2017 with content expected from Turner Networks, Fox, ABC, ESPN, FX, and the Disney Channel. Sources: Deadline, The Hollywood ReporterPosted Tue Sep 13, 2016 at 05:30 AM PDT by: -
Amazon Casts Richard Madden in 'The Book of Strange New Things' Pilot[teaser]The upcoming sci-fi pilot has cast its lead. [/teaser] According to a report from Deadline, Amazon has cast Richard Madden ('Game of Thrones,' 'Cinderella') in its latest pilot. The potential series will be based on writer Michel Faber's sci-fi novel, 'The Book of Strange New Things.' The book's plot focuses on Peter, a devoted man of faith, as he is called to the mission of a lifetime, one that takes him galaxies away from his wife, Bea. Peter becomes immersed in the mysteries of an astonishing new environment, overseen by an enigmatic corporation known only as USIC. His work introduces him to a seemingly friendly native population struggling with a dangerous illness and hungry for Peter's teachings—his Bible is their "book of strange new things." But Peter is rattled when Bea's letters from home become increasingly desperate: typhoons and earthquakes are devastating whole countries, and governments are crumbling. Bea's faith, once the guiding light of their lives, begins to falter. Suddenly, a separation measured by an otherworldly distance, and defined both by one newly discovered world and another in a state of collapse, is threatened by an ever-widening gulf that is much less quantifiable. While Peter is reconciling the needs of his congregation with the desires of his strange employer, Bea is struggling for survival. Their trials lay bare a profound meditation on faith, love tested beyond endurance, and our responsibility to those closest to us. Matt Charman ('Bridge of Spies') is set to write the hourlong pilot while Andy Harries ('Strike Back') and Lila Rawlings (Left Bank Productions) are on board as producers. Likewise, Kevin MacDonald ('The Last King of Scotland') will handle directing duties. The show is a co-production between Amazon Studios and Left Bank Productions. No other details have been announced at this time. A current Amazon Prime subscription costs $99 per year or $11 per month. Likewise, Prime Instant Video is available as a standalone service for $8 per month. Source: DeadlinePosted Mon Sep 12, 2016 at 08:45 PM PDT by:
